The Keystone Heights Indians(3-0,1-0) were ready to get back on the field following their off week. Unfortunately for the Interlachen Rams, they had to be the team to face a well rested and focused Indian squad. “We had an extra week to prepare for them”, said Coach Dickinson following the 49–6 win over the Rams(0-3,0-1).
The Indians set the tone for the evening on the first play from scrimmage. Rams RB Brandon Aaron was stuffed for a four yard loss by DL Keegan Lowery. Two plays later, DB Dillon Van Wagner had his first of two interceptions on the night. The offense would start with good field position at the Rams 49 yard line. Sharing the backfield duties were RB Matt Story and RB Greg Taylor. On the seventh offensive play for the Indians, Taylor would score from the four yard line.
DB Lee Lambert got the ball back to the Indians offense two plays later with an interception. Taylor would score his second TD on his fifth carry of the night. In the first two offensive series, the Indians would accumulate 87 yards on the ground. Taylor led the way with 66 yards and Story with 21. The offense put up 14 points in only 2:14. This was a night that the running game was going to shine.
After a quick four and out for the Rams, the Indians set up shop at the Rams 34 yard line. Following seven straight running plays, Story would walk in from the 1 yard line.
The Rams started their fourth possession of the game from the 32 yard line. Two plays later Van Wagner grabbed his second interception of the night. The Indians wasted little time to strike again. QB Clayton Mosley hit Taylor in stride for a 44 yard td. The Indians had now scored two more td’s in only 1:16.
The Indians would get the ball back after the Rams went three and out. With his ninth carry of the game, Story would make it a good one. Story fought his way through the line with defenders in hot pursuit. WR Carmen Yarbrough put the final touches on the run. Yarbrough’s block on the only two players that had a chance to catch Story, sent the RB to the end zone from 80 yards out.
The only hick up of the night for the offense came late in the second quarter. Taylor was fighting for extra yards and had the ball stripped from him. Luckily for him there are two Van Wagner’s on the defense. DB Jacob Van Wagner came up with the defenses fourth interception one play later.
The only time the Indians offense was unable to score when they had the ball came with only a minute left in the first half. The Rams would take the opportunity and make the best of it. With only 17 seconds left in the half, the Rams went for it on a fourth and goal from the 26 yard line. The gamble paid off. RB Brandon Aaren hit WR Romaine Thompson on a jump ball in the back of the end zone. Half time score 35-6.
The second half would be more of the same for both teams. For the Rams they would not find the end zone again. For the Indian running backs, they scored two more times. Story from 23 yards out and RB Thomas Ricketts scored from the 3 yard line.
The running game for the Indians was featured throughout the game. The senior led offensive line opened holes consistently all night for the running backs. The team rushed for 398 yards on 51 carries. Taylor finished with 171 on 14 carries and 2 td’s, 1 reception for 44 yards and 1 td. Story finished the night with 13 carries for 122 yards and 2 td’s.
The Indians will not have an extra week to prepare for their next game. They will be traveling, for only the second time this year, to Fernandina Beach. According to Coach Dickinson the up coming game will be another good test for his players. “They have four good receivers and they like to spread you out on defense. We do not want to get into a shot out with them. We need to continue what we do best,control the line of scrimmage."
KH----14 21 7 7
Int----- 0 6 0 0
KH Taylor(28) 4 yrd run; Miller(80) PAT
KH Taylor (28) 28 yrd run;Miller(80) PAT
KH Story(22) 1 yrd run; Miller(80) PAT
KH Taylor(28) 44 yrd reception; Miller(80) PAT
KH Story(22) 80 yrd run; Miller(80) PAT
Inter Thompson(23) 26 yrd reception; blocked PAT
KH Story(22) 23 yrd run; Miller(80) PAT
KH Ricketts(10) 3 yrd run; Miller(80) PAT